Indigenous communities in the Top End are encouraged to learn more about the Royal Commission and share their story of child sexual abuse in an institution.

New community announcements in Yolngu Matha and Modern Tiwi are being aired on Northern Territory radio stations in Darwin and more than 40 remote locations from today. The announcements will air ahead of the Royal Commission’s first public hearing in Darwin commencing Monday 22 September.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said the announcements were part of the Royal Commission’s commitment to effective communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around the country.

“The Royal Commission wants to ensure all survivors of child sexual abuse in an institution have the opportunity to share their story with the Royal Commission if they wish to,” Mr Reed said.

“These community announcements explain in Aboriginal languages that there is a public hearing in Darwin into the Retta Dixon Home starting next week. This is different to a private session where a survivor can come and tell their story to a Commissioner in private. Survivors of child sexual abuse in an institutional context who wish to share their story in a private session are invited to contact the Royal Commission.”

The community announcement says: “If you were abused at the Retta Dixon Home - or somewhere else like a foster or residential home, or on a mission, outstation or reserve, at school or in a sporting club, or at a church - you can talk to the Royal Commission.”

Copies of the announcements are available on request by contacting media@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au

For more information visit our Indigenous Resource centre